Mohamed Salah’s Saudi move in doubt

Uncertainty is beginning to surround the proposed move of Mohamed Salah to Saudi Arabia, with fresh reports suggesting the deal could be under threat as the Gulf nation reassesses its financial approach to football investments.

What once appeared to be a straightforward and lucrative انتقال for the Egyptian forward is now facing complications.

Clubs in the Saudi Pro League had been strongly linked with a move for the Liverpool star, who is expected to leave Anfield at the end of the season.

However, the financial scale of such a transfer may no longer match earlier expectations.

According to Sky Sports, Saudi authorities are preparing to scale back spending in the transfer market, a shift that could directly impact high-profile targets like Salah. The report indicates that broader financial considerations are driving a more cautious investment strategy across multiple sectors.

This reassessment is not limited to football. Saudi Arabia is also reportedly reviewing its involvement in projects such as LIV Golf, signalling a wider recalibration of sports investments amid evolving economic and geopolitical conditions.

Sky Sports News chief correspondent Kaveh Solhekol highlighted the shift, noting that the initial wave of heavy spending in the Saudi league is beginning to slow. He pointed to the era when top players commanded extraordinary wages, citing Cristiano Ronaldo as a prime example of the league’s earlier financial power.

Solhekol explained that the downward trend in spending is expected to continue, raising questions about what that means for a player of Salah’s stature. While interest in the Egyptian forward remains strong, the financial package on offer may now fall short of what would have been available in previous years.

He also referenced the broader global context, explaining that ongoing tensions in the Middle East and wider economic pressures have influenced investment decisions, particularly within the Gulf region.

Despite the shift, Saudi Arabia has made it clear that its commitment to sports investment remains intact, albeit with a more measured and strategic approach going forward.

Meanwhile, Yasser Al-Rumayyan, governor of the Saudi Public Investment Fund, revealed in an interview that an announcement regarding the sale of a club stake is imminent, further underlining the changing landscape of the country’s sports strategy.

With multiple clubs still monitoring Salah’s situation, the coming months are likely to determine whether the anticipated move materialises or fades amid shifting financial priorities.